Backseat VJ

For weeks now I've seen this hash-tag on my Twitter timeline, more so from a follower of mine Pulane, or @PulyBeast as she is known on those streets. Upon further research on the whole concept and competition (called the CItroen Back Seat VJ Showdown), I've found it to be a cool do. MTV Base and Citroen have made a cool thing to keep in touch with their viewers, and what's happening on the ground in urban culture. Here are a few pictures and the lady I mentioned (see pic 3) is in the running to win the car in the first picture below. Hope to go for a spin when you win. That rhymes, hahahaha! All the best, and big-ups to MTV and Citroen for this initiative.

The world...

William Wordsworth once wrote that "the world is too much with us" when referring to how humans behave in the world, and their treatment of nature. He paints a picture of carelessness and and reckless attitude. Bearing in mind it was written in 1888, I would go one further in describing the current status-quo as being applicable to our treatment of each other. It seems we have become so caught up with the ways of the new world, as well as keeping up with said ways, the core values of humanity have started falling between the cracks.

We live in a time whereby violence is second-nature, to the point where the shock value of gruesome crimes has almost worn off. A fast world where each looks out for their own interests, to the point of being at the expense of their fellow man. Ever stop and wonder when and where the interests of the individual started superceding those of the group?! Well I do sometimes, and draw a blank. Either way, a step back to assess ourselves as a society is needed, so as to be able to map a clear path forward into the future. For our sakes, as well as for those who will come after. Champions of the future are us, as those custodians who hold those key seats will not be there for much longer, and someone will be needed to take the reins.

I for one hope the ride won't be bumpy

The World Of The Working

Haven't done this in a while...okay, that's an understatement. Well anyway, the student chapter of my journey behind me for the time being, degree in hand and all. Guess that growing up has also meant finally adjusting to the Joburg life I so loathed an feared when I first arrived. Anyway, this is an update on how my journey's been going thus far.

Since my last post, I have been through ups and downs of epic proportions, but am truly grateful for the things that have been going my way (most notably, my status as being a member of the working class). The universe saw it fit to take its time in showing me the path intended for me. 2012 was by no means a year of smooth sailing, but graduating was one strong highlight. Spent that year as a statistic, although the loafing was quite fun for a bit. The part where I went knocking door-to-door, and from pillar to post in search of employment wasn't as fun, to the point of frustration. Seeing friends progress faster than me didn't my spirit as much, despite my joy for them and their success. What kept me going was the knowledge that the only way was up from here, and the faith my mom still had in me.

Skip forward to January 2013, a couple of false promises and a fun Festive season later. I'm on holiday at my cousin's in Durban, and a friend sends me a DM (Direct Message) on Twitter with a link to a site advertising a 3-month post. So I'm like "What the Hell...I've tried everything else at this point. Might as well"...so I follow the link, send an e-mail to the address advertised. The following day I get a positive response, and I send through my stuff. Looks like it's back to Jozi for me. I tell my mom about this, and she's also beaming. Soon as we get home, I book a bus ticket and am out a few days later. Interview goes well, but they take an ETERNITY to respond. I started getting nervous, but the agent who set me up kept me in the loop. Nerves and paranoia of previous disappointments were getting to me. My mind and soul rejoiced when she said "You got it. I'll send you the contract later today.". All the BS with school I'd put the folks through, plus all the other bad stuff didn't matter anymore, as the fruits of the hard labour and positivity started to show. I was now longer a member of Team Unemployed, and one of the working class now. The joy from the folks and my lil sis were well worth it too. I take everyday as it comes, and never forget to be thankful to the Guy upstairs for getting me this far. Everything else will surely follow suit now, through consistent effort from my side too.

Grown man suit

When I grow up eventually, I wanna dress like this. Call hime whatever you want, and he probably deserves most of the adjectives that go his way but MAN, can he wear a suit. Scott Dissick can lay a legitimate claim to being a style icon for guys...and I for one am in awe. One day is one day.

Women

"55 years on .Happy Women's Day" I read on a contact's update this morning. It's hard to believe it's bn that long since the day women marched up to the Union Buildings in protest. Women have lead some sort of revolt throughout history to mark their value and existence in society, and that was a defining moment for them in this country. It has though grown beyond just commemorating those who were there, but rather has evolved with women over the ages to encompass their new mould of traditional and modern roles. Those of being professionals as well as still women of the home. I admire that trait immensely in them too.

Every guy out there who has a relationship with their mother will jump up and call them Superwoman, and will be justified in doing so. For me, my mom has only ever been strong for as long as I've been alive. Now my little sister has the pleasure of witnessing this as well through a positive role-model. This is the woman who used to fix my toys as a kid, while being the no.1 Makoti at my grandad's home, as well as having ana active career. Mad props to her. Enough about her though, women though have an inner strength and ressilience about them. This is not often portrayed in the patriarchal society we live in, but one person who encompases this ressilence and strength is Oprah Winfrey. Hate her or love her, her life story is stuff of legend and true inspiration. From humble beginnings and childhood traumas, to standing head-and-shoulders above women across the globe and most powerful men. Legendary.
On National Women's Day I say: Much love, respect, and admiration to you all. Since the day God pulled a rib out of Adam to today, you have come a long way, and are still going places. To all inspirational women in our country (past and present), it is right to refer to you as the "Flowers Of The Nation", because of the role(s) you play/ed in our country's growth and development. Shoutout to oomama Sisulu, Makeba, Suzman, Joseph, and others. Just know that the women down here are still fighting the good fight, and you will forever be appreciated.

New Semester, new beginnings

The 2nd half of 2011 is already under way. "Oh well, here goes nothing!" I say, but is it really that straight-forward? No. My 1st half to this year was indifferent to say the least. I lost my grandfather, and a multitude of phones( the one thing I seem to be master of unfortunately). School did not make thing easier in the final year of undergrad. My only solace that has kept me going thus far is the fact that the Lord never gives us tasks we can never handle.

With this new semester, it being my final one as an undergrad (5 years later) is quite crucial. I have had to come face-to-face with the fact that I'm getting older, as well as a word I have feared since I've come back from initiation school 5 years back. That word being responsibility, which comes with age and maturity as we navigate our way through life. My mom finally managed to drill it into my head that "It's not something you can just put on a shelf and pick up whenever you want." Did I pick up the message a bit too late? I don't know only God and time will be the judge of that.

One thing I know for sure though, is the fact that now I've learned from how I began my year, and am on a mission to end it on a high, and as a graduate. So here's to new beginnings

Life and Death

Oh well, this day started on quite a sour note.....my grand dad is gone and I don't know how to feel aside from sad. My one consolation is that he has lived a full life, and got to see all his children make successes of their lives, and lived long enough to see us (his grandchildren) be born, and to an extent make a success of ourselves as well. All day, I have just bn confused as to how to go about things. I have to say though, I've handled it like a soldier, but I don't know how the rest of the family is or will take his passing, especially Khukhu my gran. Her support system is huge though because as I had previously stated my grandfather was a man who lived a full life. That is usually accompanied by the knowledge and respect of a lot of people who he met over the 80 plus years he walked the Earth. It also brought it home how extreme life is, as I was celebrating a 19th crown for United on Sunday, today I begin mourning the loss of the man responsible for my mother's being on this earth.....such is life and death. Both are symbiotic in relation, but it's always still a shock when the latter happens.

I can also safely say he's finally home. Ndlela ntle Mhaga.....uyokhunjulwa sithi sonke